MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Ellen G. Heath, 82, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, surrounded by loved ones.

Ellen Louise Galbraith was born on March 30, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Robert and Louise Galbraith.

Ellen spent her youth in Orinda, Calif., where she attended Acalanes High School in Lafayette. She attended UC Berkeley and East Contra Costa Junior College before transferring to Chico State where she received her teaching degree.

She married Dale Jensen in 1953 and moved to Lake County to begin her teaching career. Ellen taught both elementary and high school but her favorite age group and where she is most remembered is as a kindergarten teacher.

Ellen retired from teaching after she married Milton Heath in 1984. She became immersed in contributing to the family’s businesses, including Nova Vineyards in Kelseyville and Superior Propane in Williams, Ariz.

It was also her vision, drive and determination that lead to the creation of Novavine, a grapevine nursery located in Santa Rosa, Calif., where she served as president.

Ellen grew up with a love of horses, participating in horse shows in her early life, owning horses and riding often in her mid-life and attending rodeos and horse shows at every opportunity.

Ellen was active in the Lake County Chapter of California Women for Agriculture and the Lake County Republican Women Federated. She also was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise.

In addition to business, Milton and Ellen spent their time having fun. Whether it was dancing at a local charity event, traveling to places including Australia, Italy and Turkey, spending three years touring the United States in their motor home, enjoying a glass of wine or riding the Orient Express, she valued spending time with her family, close friends and dogs.

Ellen is survived by her husband of 29 years, Milton Heath; her son, Jay Jensen; daughters, Jill Jensen and Lindie Rodgers; sons, Lonny Heath and Larry Heath; her sister, Jean Derrington of Australia; many beautiful grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise or your favorite charity.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, at the Middletown Lions Club, 15399 Central Park Road, Middletown.

Please sign Ellen’s online guest book at www.jonesandlewis.com .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Bill Buker, a longtime Lake County resident, passed away April 26 after a short illness.

He was born in South Dakota and became a merchant seaman during World War II.

He was a veteran survived by his wife Betty, her children and families and his children and families, also his sister Mona and nieces and nephews.

Vicki Lea Little (Brower)
Jan. 22, 1957-May 7, 2014

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Vicki Little lost her battle with breast cancer on May 7, 2014.

She moved to Lake County in 1983, where she went to work as a physical therapist assistant for nearly 23 years.

After retirement she enjoyed spending time with her beloved family and animals. She loved her home and enjoyed gardening and collecting antiques.

She was a beautiful, lively, energetic, funny, spunky, loving, caring, courageous woman who will be missed by many. We will especially miss her infectious laugh.

She was a wonderful mother to her son Kevin and daughter Loretta, as well as a loving wife and sister.

Vicki loved being a grandma and promised to watch over her grandsons.

Vicki is survived by her husband, Tim Little; daughter, Loretta Jensen; son-in-law, Ryan Jensen; grandsons, Dane and Garrett; three sisters, Jackie McKiney, Jerri Herrguth and Tami Devol; and brother, John Brower.

The family thanked their dear friends for their care and support.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, May 18, at Jones and Lewis Clearlake Memorial Chapel, 16140 Main St., Lower Lake.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The life of longtime Upper Lake resident Norma Clay will be remembered in a special event this Sunday, May 18.

The celebration of life and potluck will be held beginning at noon at Upper Lake County Park, 575 East Highway 20.

The State Grange master, Native Daughters and Rebeccas members, and local 4-H will be on hand to speak about Norma and her decades of contributions to those organizations and the community.

Norma Christine Barney Clay was born to Felix and Helen Barney on Dec. 21, 1922, in Willits.

She died on Saturday, March 8, at the age of 91, at Sutter Lakeside Hospital.

She lived in Upper Lake for more than 65 years. Norma loved Upper Lake and all it was, was in most the parades every year and loved to dress up for it.

Norma worked for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in the lookout service and the United States Forest Service. She watched for fires at the High Glade and Konocti lookout towers.

She was passionate about her job and many visitors enjoyed watching sunrises and sunsets with her while tasting her delicious cookies.

Among her other achievements, Norma had been grand marshal in the Lake County Fair parade. She won first prize many years for her booths and other fun things.

She would say, “Don't miss the fair this year, it will be unforgettable.”

She also was a member of the Methodist Church, and was especially dedicated to her family.

Norma was the beloved mother of Jean Knigge, Donald L. Roy Clay, Daniel Clay, William Clay and Judy Clay Pinto, and was the matriarch of a large family.

Her family thanked Sutter Lakeside Hospital for being so helpful with the large group of family members who were hovering around and helping Norma pass peacefully.

She had a cool last trip to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento and will help teach doctors and nurses by donating her body to science.

Norma was a quiet woman and made up for that by being so giving all her life. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

John Perez
Sept. 2, 1960 - May 8, 2014

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – John was taken from his family and friends unexpectedly Thursday morning May 8, 2014.

Visitation will be noon to 2 p.m. with a celebration of John's life starting at 2 p.m. Monday, May 12, at Jones Mortuary, 115 S. Main St. Lakeport.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – “Rob Neal” was born March 22, 1948, in Lakeport, Calif., and died May 6, 2014, at the age of 66 in Clearlake, Calif.

He was the son of Charles E. Neal and Virginia M. (Hook) Neal, and a fifth generation Kelseyville farming family member descending from the Merritt family of Kelseyville.

He was active in the Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout under the direction of his uncle Don Hook.

Rob attended Kelseyville schools and graduated in 1966 before attending Santa Rosa Junior College. He enlisted in the Army and did a tour of Vietnam where he was twice wounded and received the Bronze Star.

He loved Lake County and enjoyed fishing and hunting as a boy with friends and family. He always loved the area and only spent a small amount of time away from Big Valley.

He married Susan Thalgot of Idaho and is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth M. Krupka, and son-in-law Clint Krupka, and two granddaughters, Catherine and Emily currently of Las Vegas.

He also is survived by his sister Kathy Neal and her partner Pat Griffin of Belchertown, Massachusetts.

Rob had several first cousins in Kelseyville who were also close growing up and in the Kelseyville schools at the same time. They are Connie (Hook) Burnes, Jerry and Karen Hook, Ken and Pam Hook, John and Molly Deacon, Clyde and Jane Deacon, and Anne (Deacon) and Mark Munsey.

Other first cousins are Katherine “Kitty” (Neal) Dunlop of Georgia, Clayton Neal of Virginia, Steven Neal of Colorado and Daniel Neal of Morgan Hill.

His last days before finding peace from cancer and addictions were spent at Meadowood Nursing Home in Clearlake where he was given excellent care both physically and emotionally. The family thanks the caregivers.

There will be no memorial service. Anyone wishing to give can donate to Hospice Services of Lake County.